Lebowski the Ferret

Thursday, July 17, 2014

This little guy was dumped off on a country road and found by a nice guy who took him in a few months ago. Unfortunately, he didn't get along well with the nice guy's dogs so he posted an ad on Craigslist for him.

That same morning, Pj, the kids and I were at the pet store and had decided that it was time to bring a critter into the family. I had a ferret when I was a teenager through my early 20s and I miss having the little nippers around. I came home and got on craigslist to see about a nice sized cage at a decent price when I saw the ad.

We took a mini road trip to pick him up and when he got home, he promptly explored every nook and cranny of the house. We've been teaching the kids how to play with a ferret and to be extra gentle. They're very interested in making sure that he has plenty of water and Olivia even volunteered to help scoop his litter boxes.

We named him "Lebowski" or "The Dude".

Ferrets are very intelligent, playful and interesting creatures. They love to dig, hide things and run around exploring as much as possible. Lebowski sleeps in his cage at night but when I'm home during the day, he pretty much gets full run of the house. We love to take him on walks to the park and short trips to the pet store. The Dude is litter box trained, just like a cat and he gets baths to keep his coat fresh and soft. Some ferrets spend a lot of time in their cage but like a cat or dog, they are happiest when they get to socialize and play. He's great with the kids and they've been good to him so far. I'm still trying to teach Olivia that he doesn't want to ride in her baby stroller and teach Rhys that he wont bite his toes so he can get off the back of the couch.

If you love ferrets too, you can follow Lebowski's silliness on Instagram @lebowski_thedude_ferret and check out my pinterest board," Carpet Sharks" for great toys, homes and ferret care.

So, I hope you all don't mind some outfit pics with His Dudeness here!

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12 Responses to “Lebowski the Ferret”

Don't wash him too much, he'll get dried out and even more stinky and oily- once every second or third month to my memory (and Googling). It's the cage and bedding that needs daily cleaning. I have to be honest... as cute as they look, I cannot stand ferrets! I've had bad experiences with them though having barely tolerated my housemate's pair, who were neglected and very untrained both in toilet habits and temperament (they were biters). The smell of their cage is still hands down the worst rank I've ever experienced. But they're popular as pets, so I assume there's some merit I missed out on observing.

Well, I wouldn't judge based on that pair! My previous ferret was pretty awful. She would not litter box train and she was a biter too but this one is awesome, really gentle and well trained in using the litter box. They really require as much attention and care as a dog and if they're not given proper care, they won't be friendly or fun to deal with! :( Like a cat or dog, if the poop isn't cleaned up constantly, it will smell horrid. Ferrets are some of the most neglected and abused pets because people think they're cute and fuzzy like a big hamster and they don't understand what a responsibility they are :(

I had ferrets in my 20s, they are so much fun and oh so cute! Sadly, they have such short life spans. Mine had crossed the rainbow bridge within 2 years of each other (I had 6, 3 of my own and 3 fosters that became my own!) And it broke my heart! Whenever I move to a higher place I will definitely be looking into bringing some into my life again!

Your Ferret is just so sweet! I can't believe that someone left him on a country road! What is wrong with some people! I am so happy that you gave him a wonderful loving home! I don't know much about ferrets but they seem really lovely and awesome that they can be litter box trained.

Though I know it, tragically happens all the time, it blows my mind that anyone would just drop off/abandon an animal like this. Thank goodness that he was found by a caring soul and that he eventually made his super cute way to your family. I adore ferrets and wish I lived nearby so that I could come visit both you and the furry Dude! :)